Psilocybin rapidly increases the expression of several genes related to neuroplasticity in the rat brain, according to new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The new findings might help explain the underlying neurobiological mechanisms responsible for long-lasting changes associated with psychedelic drug use. “Psilocybin induces remarkable subjective effects, but has been largely ignored, scientifically, for manyContinue reading “Psilocybin increases the expression neuroplasticity-related genes in rats”
Category Archives: Neuroplasticity
Magic mushroom compound psilocybin can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression
BY THE LANCET MAY 17, 2016 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Psilocybin – a hallucinogenic compound derived from magic mushrooms – may offer a possible new avenue for antidepressant research, according to a new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry today. The small feasibility trial, which involved 12 people with treatment-resistant depression, found that psilocybin was safe and well-toleratedContinue reading “Magic mushroom compound psilocybin can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression”
A single high dose of psilocybin alters brain function up to one month later
BY ERIC W. DOLAN APRIL 7, 2020 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter New research provides evidence that the active ingredient in so-called magic mushrooms can affect brain processes related to emotional functioning long after the substance has left one’s body. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, shed new light on the long-term effects of psilocybin. Rather than examiningContinue reading “A single high dose of psilocybin alters brain function up to one month later”
Neuroscience study uncovers psilocybin-induced changes in brain connectivity
BY ERIC W. DOLAN JANUARY 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter SHARE New research published in Biological Psychology sheds light on the neurophysiological underpinnings of the psychedelic experience. The study provides new details about how psilocybin — the active component in “magic” mushrooms — changes the communication patterns between regions of the brain. “Psychedelics are currently being investigatedContinue reading “Neuroscience study uncovers psilocybin-induced changes in brain connectivity”
Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness meditation linked to brain connectivity changes and persisting positive effects
BY ERIC W. DOLAN AUGUST 17, 2019 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter SHARE New research indicates that psilocybin-assisted mindfulness meditation is associated with changes in functional brain connectivity — and these changes are related to an altered state of consciousness known as ego dissolution. The findings appear in the journal NeuroImage. A team of scientists from the UniversityContinue reading “Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness meditation linked to brain connectivity changes and persisting positive effects”
Study suggests psilocybin can positively change emotions and brain function long-term
Emma StoneOctober 26, 2020 (juriskraulis/AdobeStock) Over time, it’s easy to become entrenched in how we view and move through the world. Firing up the same well-worn neural pathways becomes effortless, leading most of us to live more confined existences than we’d like to admit. For some, these ingrained habits may be a preference for aContinue reading “Study suggests psilocybin can positively change emotions and brain function long-term”